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U.S.-Based Westinghouse Electric Co. Signs MOU in South Africa

U.S.-Based Westinghouse Electric Co. Signs MOU in South Africa

South Africa’s Sebata Group of Companies and U.S.-based Westinghouse Electric Co. have signed an agreement which outlines the development of an “engineering-led” firm created to provide skills used within the nuclear industry, the Pittsburgh Business Times reported.

Along with this project, Westinghouse — owned by engineering and electronics giant Toshiba — will work with the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation “to help develop fuel assembly components,” the report said.

“This important agreement with Sebata Group not only reaffirms our pledge to use local talent and resources, but our commitment to develop and support the South African nuclear industry,” François Harari, France, Benelux and South Africa managing director and Westinghouse vice president, said in a company press release.

“Westinghouse and Sebata Group will utilize their complementary skills in upcoming projects to further develop the expertise required for an eventual nuclear build project in South Africa. Supplier development is critical to Westinghouse and that’s why we think globally but act locally,” he said.

Through the deal with Sebata Group, Westinghouse is looking into the possibility of constructing an AP1000 nuclear power plant. The water reactor, which is pressurized and uses circulation and gravy — cancels out the need for ac power pumps or operators “in the event of a design-basis accident,” Westinghouse’s website states.

According to the release, Westinghouse seeks to build upon the global engineering value chain.